Suppose you want to build a rectangular picture frame where the width is 4 inches less than the length and the diagonal is 4

inches longer than the length. What are the dimensions of the picture frame?

1 answer

L = length

W = width

d =diagonal

d = √ ( W² + L²)

W = L - 4

d = √ [ ( L - 4 )² + L²]

d = L + 4

L + 4 = √ [ ( L - 4 )² + L²]

Raise both sides to the power of two.

( L + 4 )² = ( L - 4 )² + L²

L²+ 2 L ∙ 4 + 4² = L² - 2 L ∙ 4 + 4² + L²

L²+ 8 L + 16 = L² - 8 L + 16 + L²

Subtract L² + 16 to both sides

8 L = - 8 L + L²

Add 8 L to both sides

8 L + 8 L = - 8 L + L² + 8 L

16 L = L²

Divide both sides by L

16 = L

L = 16 in

W = L - 4 = 16 - 4 = 12

Proof:

d = √ ( W² + L²) = √ ( 16² + 12²) =

√ ( 256 + 144 ) = √ 400 = 20 in

d = L + 4 = 16 + 4